Thinking of buying a e46 m3 in the next month

[DNB DJ]

I have owned a audi s3 8p 2007 for the last 8 months its been a ok car but its really dull to drive and just has no excitement. I am selling my car soon so will be on the look for a m3. I am looking to spend 9k and i want no more miles than 75k. How reliable are they? i have no clue about bmws i have never owned one before. Just wondering if any m3 owners can give me any feedback cheers jon

[Grey Ghost]

Post your question in the BMW section and they will explain what to look for and possibly a few options for your money. Make sure you are aware of the top end issues (the vanos system) they are known to suffer from and check any car you look at has had this addressed or has not suffered from it.

[Leins]

I don't think you even need to post it, this is a topic that seems to appear daily in the BMW //M section

[billzeebub]

You will love it after the Audi. Look for Rear Sub-Frame issues (the dreaded boot floor cracks). I think BMW have aquieced to fix it on later cars. The usual rules apply other than that; i.e dont buy from someone whose advert talks lyk dis innit bruv. Look for a low number of owners, ideally well-heeled home counties type owner with a standard spec car. 18" wheels always a good sign IMO. I think, as with any slightly older performance car the condition and provenance/history are much more important than mileage. There are plenty of cars out there and they are fast becoming the bargain that good E36s were for a while.

good luck with your search, take a couple of days and arrange to look at/drive plenty so that when you see a really good one you will know instinctively